Bumper cars did not bump, tilt-a-Whirls did not twirl and nary a pig squealed: For the first time since 1905, all was quiet at the Michigan State Fairgrounds this Labor Day weekend.

But while the fair appears dead, there's still hope for the site. The latest plan comes courtesy of Ontario businessman Bob Graham, who hopes to turn the fairgrounds into a massive youth recreational sports complex.

Graham, who owns Northbrook Computer, first floated his idea last year. And after a series of proposed developments fell through, his is one of the last plans standing.

The Detroit News reports Graham's original proposal lacked details but that he is expected to provide the state with additional details next week.

"What this project could bring to the city is quite unique and hopefully a catalyst to other things," Graham told the newspaper, explaining he would renovate several fairground buildings for indoor sports and training.

The proposal won't necessarily be an easy sell to state leaders, who previously rejected plans to convert the fairgrounds into a film production studio. Earlier this year, the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority decided to abandon a plan to convert the site into a year-round Metropark and businessman John Hantz withdrew a contingent plan to develop 40 acres as an urban farm.